How Cold Sores Fundamentally Spread

Cold sores are painful, scabby blisters that are the manifestation of the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) on the face. Although they generally appear on the lips, cold sores can also appear inside the mouth, around the face, in the nostril and in some extreme cases they can appear anywhere on the body, including the genital area.

Although cold sores are cause by the herpes virus, they are not the same as genital herpes as these are generally caused by the HSV-2 stream of the virus. However both these strands can create cold sores on the mouth or genital area so you do need to be very careful.

The herpes virus is an extremely contagious virus and cold sores can spread any number of ways. The virus can spread through direct contact, such as kissing. It can also be based on through indirect contact, such as sharing the same drink or lipbalm or even using the same face towel.

You can also spread your own cold sore to other parts of your body if you touch it and then touch somewhere else. For this reason it is important not to pick at or squeeze your cold sores. If you do touch your cold sore, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly straight away to remove the germs.

If you have an active cold sore it is also a good idea to wash your hands frequently or more than usual just to be on the safe side as you may touch your mouth without noticing.

You Don't Have To Have A Cold Sore To Spread Them

Although the herpes virus is more contagious when a cold sore is present, it is still able to spread if its symptoms are dormant. Therefore if you know you suffer from the herpes virus it is extremely important that you are constantly vigilant with your personal hygiene as you do not want to spread the virus on to anyone else.

Cold sores will generally clear up by themselves within a week or two. There is currently no medicine to cure the virus or to make the symptoms go away completely. However there is a large range of creams and prescription medicine or drugs that can alleviate the symptoms and shorten the time it takes for the cold sore to go away.

These types of treatments are most effective when they are started when you feel the first tingle of a cold sore, before it is has had a chance to develop.